TESTIMONIALS

We have been participating in the J-POP SUMMIT since the very beginning and have seen it grow from a very small event to San Francisco’s most dynamic and successful gatherings showcasing Japan’s pop culture.

For us at ITO EN, it has been the perfect venue to meet and introduce our Japanese green teas in such an exciting and energetic environment. It not only gives us the opportunity to meet new fans and talk up our teas, but gives us inspiration for new product innovation and a vision for the future.

– My Reason for Joining –
J-POP SUMMIT will showcase Japanese entertainment and technology, and generate a fusion with its pop culture and tech culture here in San Francisco, the center of tech culture in the US,” is what Mr. Yoshida of NEW PEOPLE told me. Those words triggered me to join the event because that is the same as our product Ricoh Theta’s concept.

– Through Participating –
It was a wonderful experience. I met various people who are interested in Japanese culture. Through the communicating with them, we gained valuable feedback of our products. We also worked with Kodansha’s Attack of Titan. That was a successful collaboration between Japanese entertainment and technology -Click HERE-. Through J-POP SUMMIT, I was reaffirmed that intermingling of diverse cultures spark new ideas. So, I invite you to dive into the mix of cultures, and let’s generate new ideas!

J-Pop Summit provided the perfect event showcase opportunity to kickoff Kodansha‘s new digital-media operations in San Francisco… Read More Can’t think of a more suitable gathering that brings together such a concentrated stew of local and international media, Japanese pop-culture, and cutting-edge technology. Discovered some great new partners, caught up with old friends in new contexts. A one-of-a-kind very Bay Area kind of thing is what Mr. Yoshida of NEW PEOPLE told me.

– My Reason for Joining –
The reason, or what triggered me to join J-POP SUMMIT, was receiving an official letter of request of assistance through the student organization I run in San Francisco State University… Two years before I had participated in the same event and I felt disappointed – but I was given the opportunity to talk to the managers, and by discussing with them, I became confident that we will be able to drastically change the event, and make it bigger and better than the previous ones. I was convinced that this event would be taken to the next level, and so that is why I decided to participate and join J-POP SUMMIT again this year.

– Through Participating –
I was able to fully experience what it is like to be a leader, and the time I spent working with the event coordinators was very worthwhile and fulfilling. By creating the proposals for event plans, being a leader for one of the teams, and being one of the core members for executing the event, I felt that I had learned something I can’t learn in college and I felt a sense of great accomplishment afterward. Overall, I had a blast! lol

For those who are considering participating next year Personally, by participating in this project, I felt that I have improved my management skills and I will treasure the network I made through communicating with others. Also I had a fun time getting hit on by girls! I had the most fun and the best time, however, when I was working with the funky and interesting people that worked for J-POP SUMMIT. To those who are thinking of doing it next year, if you want to experience personal growth, achieve new heights, and just have lots of fun, please consider participating in the J-POP SUMMIT 2016. I guarantee that you will have the best time.

Andrew KatreinRead

Andrew Katrein
Financial Analyst
– Volunteer –

– My Reason for Joining –
I was very excited to be involved in something that support Japanese culture as a part of the San Francisco community. I really enjoy giving back to the community in a way that promotes the spread of foreign art and culture and helps to foster a global atmosphere in our city.

– Through Participating –
My experience was great. I was really glad I got to meet people from so many diverse background, especially because I gained an appreciation for Japanese culture as well as developed an understanding of diverse communication through my interactions with the other volunteers and the organizers of the festival.

Stop thinking and just do it!

Wakana NatoriRead

Wakana Natori
Golden Gate University, J-Crew Rep
– Volunteer –

– Why I joined –
I joined J-POP SUMMIT help because SFSU Japan Student Association’s rep Teruyuki Yokoi asked me if I was interested. I wanted to take part in the philosophy of “students invigorating the Japanese community,” by joining the festival crew. Well, to tell you the truth, I couldn’t say no to Teru, the big boss man! (lol)

– My Experience at J-POP SUMMIT –
It was so fun and really fruitful for me. I was told to oversee the entire Sake Area, and was really challenged by all the details that I had to pay attention to… while managing the event operations. I also brought my fellow J-Crew members to “represent!” our Golden Gate University, and working hard together with my peers in those action packed hours is such an awesome memory for me now.

– Are You Thinking About Joining? –
This is my advise. J-POP SUMMIT is not just a fun place. It is also a great place to learn so many things. Since you have this opportunity, why don’t you try it? They welcome any abled and willing students (or young adults!) that want this challenge! I recommend that you go for it, at least once!

Hiroko TakeshimaRead

Hiroko Takeshima
Senior at San Francisco State University
Major: Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
– Internship –

Why I joined –
I was looking for an internship during the summer of 2015 to satisfy school requirements through volunteering in recreation settings. This precious opportunity broadened my knowledge of event planning. Expanding Japanese culture to the world is one of my missions; therefore New People is the best company to work with.

– My Experience at J-POP SUMMIT –
I learned so many different things through my experience at J-POP SUMMIT. It provided me with not only event management skills, but also I was able to gain social skills. I will never forget how busy I was before the day of the event. It was the greatest accomplishment I have ever had in my life. Thank you for accepting me into your team!

– Are You Thinking About Joining? –
Please join our team to make J-POP SUMMMIT bigger and better! There are huge differences between volunteering and doing an internship. I would highly recommend you to do an internship at New People because getting involved in the J-POP team will change your future as a skilled professional. You will feel a great sense of accomplishment after the event is over.

I loved interning for the J-POP SUMMIT! It was so much fun and Ioved all of the staff members and volunteers we worked with! I wanted to intern with the J-POP SUMMIT because I really love Japanese culture and wanted to learn how one can successfully bring Japanese culture to an American audience. It was hard work, but I learned so much and it was all so worth it in the end when we got to see everyone having so much fun at the festival. I highly recommend the internship for anyone looking to do something fun and rewarding over the summer. I promise you will not be disappointed!

I still cannot believe that I performed at Union Square, the heart of San Francisco! Many fans and passersby stopped and gathered to see my performance and it gave me self-confidence toward my solo concert the following day.

Q: What are your future plans?

I am going on a national tour in May, and planning to have some events in Asia. I would also like to come back to see my fans in the U.S.!!

Q: How did you like San Francisco?

I spent a relaxing time seeing the chocoholic atmosphere inside the building at Ghirardelli Square, and I also enjoyed the greens in the surrounding field. I also tried a few savory dishes during my stay. Crab and shrimp were some of my favorites, and American Pancakes are surprisingly more fluffy and moist than Japanese ones. I loved the food in San Francisco!

Q: Any comments to your fans in the US?

I am so glad to see Japanese culture being loved in San Francisco. I will keep doing my best to make it to the stage in San Francisco again.

I am happy to see Japanese music and culture being loved by many people overseas.

Q: What are your future plans?

I will be joining Anime Central, Chicago in May. I’m looking forward to being back in the U.S. again.

Q: How did you like San Francisco?

There are cute cable cars and beautiful scenery in the city. I loved clam chowder and I sometimes get a craving for it back in Japan.

Q: Any comments to your fans in the US?

I have made quite a few visits to the U.S. People are so cheerful there and being with them makes me happy too. I would like to reciprocate this happiness through my music, so hopefully I will have a chance to make us all happy again in San Francisco!

(FEMM’s agents, Honey-B and W-Trouble, gave us a comment in place of FEMM herselves.)

Q: How was your first experience in J-POP SUMMIT?

H-B: I was amazed by so many FEMM agents who came to support FEMM, and also glad that there are many people who love Japanese culture in the U.S.

WT: RiRi and LuLa looked like they had a lot of fun. It seems like they were glad to meet so many agents in San Francisco at J-POP SUMMIT.

Q: What is your next goal?

H-B: FEMM has been invited to visit quite a few countries, and they are keen on going global. Please stay tuned for announcements.

WT: They would love to see their agents overseas.

Q: How did you like San Francisco?

H-B: San Francisco was a historic city with a mix of urban buildings and beautiful nature. We enjoyed Femm-Istation with FEMM in the city. Please tell us your favorite spots when we come back.

WT: I was surprised to see so many slopes! FEMM are slow-walkers, so it was hard for them. They, however, enjoyed the beautiful views of the bay and the city and told us that they would like to come back again.

Q: Any messages for your fans?

H-B: J-POP SUMMIT is not only for music. They have a lot of interesting contents such as comedy stage, karaoke booth, meet and greet and more! FEMM would like to join again, so if this happens, please come to see them again!

WT: RiRi and LuLa are glad to receive comments like “Come see us again in San Francisco” through SNS, and they are looking forward to seeing their agents again.

☆ YANA:
It was our 2nd time joining J-POP SUMMIT. What differed from the last time was that we played Okami, host/representative roles for the Ryokan Pavilion, and introduced Japanese accommodations there. We were pleased to see so many people gaining interests in Japanese culture while watching the video of us visiting ryokans in Japan, or taking photos with rented kimono.

★ KIKU:
We also had an amazing time at J-POP Live. Fans are so energetic in San Francisco, and it was really fun to dance and sing together with them through the very end of the show. We gained new supporters there and we are so happy to read their warm comments like [please come back to J-POP SUMMIT!] on our Facebook.

Q: Future plans?

☆ YANA:
We do quite a few solo concerts and also organize music live events in Japan, but currently there are no specific plans for overseas activities. We would love to visit more countries to introduce Japanese culture and YANAKIKU. We are waiting for opportunities to go global!

★ KIKU:
We are so ready to visit any and all countries! But, we are working hard to compose a new album right now. Please look forward to our new single coming out soon.

Q: Comments for JPS fans?

☆ YANA:
J-POP SUMMIT is a great opportunity to get to know Japanese culture from so many different angles! We noticed that they have some amazing content that even we do not have too much chance to see when living in Japan, so we would like you to take this advantage and enjoy every bit of it.

★ KIKU:
I was really amazed when I saw a fan that we had met at J-POP SUMMIT, come to our concert in Japan! Thank you so much for those who gave us messages through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I am very thankful that you guys remember us. We will be back for you in the future!

It was like my dream come true to dance Otagei (a kind of J-POP dance style) with an American audience!! Thank you for being one of us by putting the paper bags on!!

Q: Q: How did you like San Francisco?

San Francisco was such an energetic city!! We would like to see the blue sky and the Golden Gate bridge again, but I guess we will need a year to fully enjoy this city!

Q: Future plans?

Just a short while ago, Bona went on a solo trip to Shanghai.
And, we are planning to go to S.Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and other Asian countries!!
But, we’d love to come back to the U.S. too!
Please look forward to the next time we visit, because we’ll bring even more fun to the party!

Q: Comments for JPS fans?

We will keep going our way as paper bag fairies! We hope you will join us – life is all about having fun! The next goal for us is to become an American animation someday.